Arrest made in store burglary

Police have arrested one person and are looking for additional suspects in the burglary of Loepp Furniture early Sunday morning, Jan. 15.

Officers Adam Florenzen and Chris McClanahan took part in the apprehension of a 34-year-old Omak woman, Darcy K. Edwards, who was in the driver’s seat of a pickup parked in the alley behind the store, partially filled with objects from inside.

At least one other person was believed to be part of the burglary, the police report stated, and possibly two.

Florenzen, on patrol, reported that as he was driving Midway Avenue he looked up the alley and saw a truck parked behind the store, so he drove around and came down the alley from Federal Avenue.

That’s when he found Edwards in the truck. He called for McClanahan, who was only a block away, for assistance.

Police asked Edwards what she was doing and she stated, the report noted, “I was just giving a ride to (another suspect whose name was not released) to pick up some of these used appliances that are left out here.”

When police looked into the back of the truck they found a number of air conditioners and other small appliances, all in their original boxes.

Edwards was questioned for additional information, and gave police the name of the owner of the truck. She is being charged with second-degree burglary, as well as second-degree possession of stolen goods. After the initial investigation was complete, Edwards was taken to Grant County jail.

Dave and Peggy Portch, former owners who remain active in the store, identified articles inside the truck as having come from the store.

The burglary occurred at about 15 minutes after midnight. The two officers searched the store but couldn’t find any burglars inside.

Florenzen stated that when he came down the alley he thought he saw someone behind the truck. Police said entry was gained through a smashed window in the back.

Owner Kevin Portch stated that a number of items were stacked by the back door, ready to be loaded into the truck.

Police said they found a large baggie with a crystal-like material, later identified as methamphetamine, in the glove compartment of the truck. The officers also found a pair of large bolt cutters in the vehicle.

Police Sgt. Gary Moore said the department is seeking search warrants as part of the ongoing investigation.

This article was corrected to state that Kevin Portch is the owner of Loepp Furniture.